Updated on
Summary
Saudi Arabia on Saturday had taken control of what it described as a strategic mountain in the Saudi side of the border with Yemen amid its fight against Yemeni Shi'ite rebels.Where we are now is less than three kilometres away from the border (with Yemen) ... We are within our borders .. The (Saudi) forces are destroying all intruders, Defence and Aviation Assistant Minister Prince Khaled bin Sultan told, adding that the Jabal al-Dood mountain is considered among the most strategically important mountains in the fight against the Yemeni rebels. We try to keep losses at a minimum and not be drawn into a war in the mountains, he added.BackgroundSaudi Arabia started earlier this month fighting Yemeni Shi'ite rebels -- known as Houthis -- after it announced that they killed two border guards in a cross-the-border incursion at Jabal Dukhan. Yemeni forces and Houthi rebels waged pitched battles on the outskirts of Saada on Saturday after regular troops thwarted an attempt by the insurgents to enter the city.Saudi Arabia, the world's largest oil exporter, fears growing instability in Yemen could turn into a major security threat for the kingdom by allowing al Qaeda to gain a stronger foothold in the poverty-stricken country.The Houthis belong to the Zaidi sect of minority Shi'ite Islam, and complain of social, economic and religious marginalisation by Sanaa. Both the rebels and the Yemeni government deny their aims are sectarian. Saudi media frequently mention an al Qaeda presence among the Houthis and Yemen sees Iran's hand behind the rebels. Iran denies involvement and has called for Yemen's government to end the fighting through negotiations. Saudi Arabia, a U.S. ally which sees itself as the guardian of Sunni Islam, has been at odds with Shi'ite Iran since the 1979 Islamic revolution.
